Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for Liposuction?

A good candidate for liposuction is one who has isolated fatty deposits and is not obese. A liposuction will sculpt the areas that need reshaping. If a patient is overweight or obese, liposuction will usually not give you the result you probably are trying to achieve. Ideally Patients that have a high BMI should first achieve some weight loss through diet and exercise in order for your expectations to be achieved with liposuction.

What areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?

The most common areas that liposuction is performed are: abdomen, hips, outer and inner thighs, knees, arms, back, buttocks, and neck.

What kind of anesthesia is used for liposuction?

General anesthesia or spinal, local anesthesia will be used for small areas.

What is the recovery like?

It will depend on the amount of fat removed and the location of the surgery,
The cuts where the doctor inserted the cannula may be leaky or drain fluids for several days. In some cases, the doctor may insert a drainage tube to drain fluid away from the wound.
You will wear special tight garments to keep your skin compressed after the liposuction procedure. Your doctor will tell you how long to wear these, usually for months..
You will have scars, usually small, where the physician cuts your skin and inserts the cannula to remove fat tissue.
As with all operations, pain and discomfort varies greatly from patient to patient. Generally, one should expect that pain medication would be required for the first few days. Continuing discomfort can last varying amounts of time. Much of the swelling and bruising will be improved within two weeks; however, some will persist for six to eight weeks. It is often difficult to see permanent changes in the body shape before this time.

When will I see the final result?

Usually within 4-5 months, as this time is required for healing and swelling to subside. The postoperative garment should be used during 3 months which will help recovery and swelling to come down faster.

How do I know if I need a tummy tuck or just liposuction?

If a patient has children, abdominal muscles and skin are stretched, or if a patient has lost a lot of weight, you may need a tummy tuck to remove the excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. At the same time, liposuction on back and flanks can be done to improve your total abdominal appearance.

If I gain weight after the surgery will the fat come back?

If you gain weight, the fat will come back. It will usually take longer to accumulate were it was suctioned, as the fat cells have been removed but will accumulate in other areas that were not suctioned first.

Can the fat from liposuction be used in other parts of my body?

Yes, the fat suctioned is frequently used for fat transfer to the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift) or can be used for facial fat injection.

When can I go back to work or the gym?

It all depends on the type of work you do. Usually you can return to work within the first week. We recommend you wait 1 month before starting strenuous activities or exercise.

How do I know if I need a tummy tuck or just liposuction?

If a patient has children, abdominal muscles and skin are stretched, or if a patient has lost a lot of weight, you may need a tummy tuck to remove the excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. At the same time, liposuction on lower back and flanks can be done to improve your total abdominal appearance.

Which patients are good candidates for a Tummy Tuck?

A great candidate for a Tummy Tuck should have a BMI under 35. Patients that have a higher BMI should first achieve some weight loss through diet and exercise in order for your expectations to be achieved with the Tummy Tuck.

What is corrected with the Tummy Tuck procedure?

The Tummy Tuck will get rid of all of the excess skin between your pubis and belly button. It also tightens you abdominal muscles, which are usually stretched out after pregnancies.

Are stretch marks removed with the Tummy Tuck?

The stretch marks that are located between your pubis and belly button will be removed; those above the belly button will be moved down but will remain.

What is the scar like?

The scar is done as low and as short as possible. It will be in your bikini line. There is also a scar around your belly button. In the beginning, the scars are a thin red line; it may take up to 2 years to fully heal and become the same color of your skin.

If I already have a C-section scar or other abdominal scars, will they be removed with the Tummy Tuck?

The C-section scar will be replaced with the tummy tuck scar. If the other scars are below the belly button they may be removed.

Can Liposuction be done with the Tummy Tuck?

Liposuction is often done on the back and flanks, as it will give a better result Liposuction IS NOT DONE on the abdomen when a Tummy Tuck is preformed.

What kind of anAesthesia is used for the procedure?

General anAesthesia or spinal and sedation

What is the recovery time after a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is one of the more longer recoveries is advised avoid lifting object over 10pounds and plan to not be able to stand up straight for several weeks. There are generally 1-2 drains which stay in for 1-3 weeks. No aggressive physical activities can be performed . All my patients are able to walk and get up to go to the bathroom with minimal assistance. Follow up is pretty much weekly for the first month.

When do I see the final result?

Usually within the first 4-5 months, as this time is required for healing and swelling to subside. The post operative garment should be used during 3 moths which will help recovery and swelling to come down faster.

When can I go back to work or the gym?

It all depends on the type of work you do. Usually you can return to work within the first 2-3 weeks. We recommend you wait 2 months before starting strenuous activities or exercise.

What is a seroma?

A seroma is a collection of serum (also known as lymph fluid) within a cavity inside the body. Serum is the yellowish liquid portion of blood that remains after the red blood cells (which transport oxygen to the body’s tissues), and white blood cells (which fight infections) have been removed. A seroma can occur after liposuction or a tummy tuck. It is generally a nuisance, but not a serious complication. Without treatment, a seroma will usually resolve slowly over several weeks to many months. To accelerate the disappearance of a seroma, the surgeon may remove the serum by inserting a needle and draining the seroma into a syringe.

Do I need a lift (mastopexy), augmentation, reduction, or a breast lift with implants?

You need to have your breasts examined: if your nipples are below the infra-mammary fold (where your breast joins your chest skin) a lift is needed. If you do not have a lot of breast tissue, you may be a candidate for a breast lift with implants. Patients who have big breasts with a lot of breast tissue may opt for a breast lift and reduction without the use of implants. Patients who have small breasts and little breast tissue will be candidates for breast augmentation with implants.

Where are the incisions?

For very small breasts, the incision will only go around your areola or on the mammary fold, but for most patients it also involves a vertical incision or inverted “T”, it will depend on each patients needs individually. Sensation is preserved and the scars will fade over time.

Which patients are candidates for a T incision?

If your breasts have excess skin and need to have it removed, a T incision will be advised.

What kind of anaesthesia do you use for breast surgery?

General Anaesthesia.

What is the recovery like?

Recovery from breast surgery depends on a number of factors including how tight the breast tissue, is how big was the reduction, how big the implant is, and whether the implant is under the muscle or on top of the muscle.
Pain: In general, pain is minimal and recovery is about 1 to 2 weeks at most. Augmentation under the muscle results in more discomfort and may require up to a week to feel back to normal.
In general you should refrain from heavy lifting or vigorous activity for 3-4 weeks. This is designed to prevent additional swelling or the collection of fluid during your recovery.

When can I go back to work or the gym?

It all depends on the type of work you do. Usually you can return to work within the first week. We recommend you wait 2 months before starting strenuous activities or exercise.

What result will a Facelift give me?

It is a procedure used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and signs of aging, improving the overall appearance of the face. Facelift surgery can help to reverse the effects of aging, stress, and exposure to the elements. To perform this procedure, we will lift and tighten the underlying muscles of the face to create more aesthetically contours appearance and rejuvenate the facial structure. Then will remove excess pockets of fat and skin that can contribute to an aged, tired appearance.

Where are the incisions?

Eyelid surgery can be done without a visible scar on the lower lids and the small scar on the upper lid is hidden in the eyelid fold. As it fades, it usually becomes almost invisible. The scar on the face is around the ear and hidden inside the hairline, always seeking to placed as less visible as possible, sometimes under the chin. The actual length and position of the scars will be discussed at your consultation because they will vary depending on each patients needs.

What kind of anesthesia do you use for facial cosmetic surgery?

Normally we use general anesthesia but local with sedation can also be used.

What is the recovery like?

Patients will have bandages on their faces, and there may be some drainage tubes as well, depending on the extent of the procedure. Surgeons will provide instructions about how to clean and care for the tubes. Patients often experience swelling and discomfort, particularly during the first day, but these symptoms can often be controlled with pain medication.

Patients should focus on recovery and avoid strenuous activities and will return 5 to 7 days after their surgery to have their stitches removed. Swelling and bruising may persist for several weeks after a facelift, but as recovery progresses. Most people feel good enough to go out about two weeks after their surgery. Nevertheless, patients will still have some restrictions and they should carefully follow their doctor’s directions.

The worst swelling should subside within 12 to 14 days, but skin dryness may persist for several months. Scars will fade somewhat as time passes. Most patients will begin to notice the improvement in their appearance and see the facelift results after about three weeks.

When can I go back to work or to the gym?

Patients can return to normal activities after 3 weeks exercise after 6-8 weeks

Where are the incisions?

Depending on the type of rhinoplasty most of the incision are located inside the nose so they aren’t visible.

What kind of anaesthesia do you use for rhinoplasty?

Normally we use general anaesthesia but local with sedation can also be used.

What is the recovery like?

You will return for a follow-up visit 4-7 days after your rhinoplasty. The splint will be removed and you will see your new nose. It will still be swollen. If you had a large bump, your new profile will be seen. It can take up to 6-12 months for the entire swelling in the tip to resolve. If you have any bruising, it usually disappears within 1-3 weeks. You can usually gently blow your nose after 10-14 days and you can use a mild saline spray to clean the nostrils after 5 days.

When can I go back to work or to the gym?

It all depends on the type of work you do. Usually you can return within the first week. I prefer you wait 1 moth before strenuous activities are started. There is minimal down time with a well-done rhinoplasty.